What does a speech therapist assistant do? – Tasks and Work Environment
A speech therapist assistant works closely with licensed speech therapists and contributes to treatment and support for individuals with speech, language, or communication difficulties. Tasks may include assisting with language training exercises, conducting simpler exercises according to the speech therapist’s instructions, and supporting patients in their rehabilitation. Speech therapist assistants can also help with administrative tasks, documentation, and some contact with relatives. The work environment varies but is often located within health centers, schools, habilitation centers, or other healthcare facilities where communication is a focus. The profession involves close collaboration with other healthcare professionals and requires a good understanding of people's diverse needs.
Salary development over time
The salary for speech therapist assistants has shown a clear positive trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 27,100 SEK per month, increasing to 29 400 SEK in 2023 and further to 30 200 SEK in 2024. This represents a total increase of approximately 11% over the period, slightly above the general wage growth in the healthcare sector. The increase can be linked to an increased need for support resources in speech therapy, a higher demand for healthcare staff, and increased awareness of the importance of early interventions for communication difficulties. Differences in education level and work experience also influence salary levels, with higher education often providing significant salary increases.
Speech therapist assistant salary – comprehensive overview
- Average salary: 30 200 SEK/month
- Lowest salary: 26,500 SEK/month (female, government sector, less than 9 years of pre-high school education)
- Highest salary: 41,700 SEK/month (female, municipal sector, research degree)
- Lowest salary for men: 26,800 SEK/month
- Highest salary for men: 35,600 SEK/month
- Hourly wage: 181 SEK
- Women earn: 30 400 SEK (102% of men's salary)
- Men earn: 29 800 SEK
- Regional differences: Data not available
Education and qualifications
To work as a speech therapist assistant, a university degree is generally not required, but employers often view a high school diploma with a focus on healthcare and social care positively. Practical experience from similar roles and shorter courses in communication and speech disorders are advantageous. Some employers offer internal training or require participation in specific introductory programs. Personal suitability, such as patience and good teamwork skills, also weighs heavily in assessments.
- Education type: High school diploma, preferably healthcare and social care program
- Certifications/courses: Courses in speech disorders, communication, or functional variations
- Internships: Practical experience from healthcare or educational settings is appreciated
- Prerequisites: Swedish language skills in speaking and writing, basic computer skills
- Tips for choosing: Interest in language, communication, and working with people
Speech therapist assistants often have the opportunity to work with children and adults of various ages and backgrounds. This provides broad experience and insight into how communication difficulties can affect daily life and the importance of individually tailored interventions.
Common benefits and compensations
Speech therapist assistants are often offered benefits such as wellness allowances, opportunities for professional development, occupational pension, and sometimes extra vacation days. Flexitime and support for further education are common, especially within municipal and regional workplaces. Some employers also offer subsidized meals and collective insurance agreements.
Competition and challenges
The competition for positions as a speech therapist assistant varies and is influenced by regional differences and demand within different parts of the healthcare sector. Since the profession is part of a larger occupational group, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish the specific tasks from other healthcare and social care roles. A challenge is the lack of a clear national standard for education and certification, which can affect career paths and salary development. Limited opportunities for further training and professional growth within the role may require proactive efforts to advance. At the same time, the need for support in communication and language is significant, providing the profession with a stable foundation and demand in the job market.
Tips for those who want to become a speech therapist assistant
To succeed as a speech therapist assistant, it is beneficial to combine a genuine interest in people with the ability to be attentive and flexible in meeting diverse needs. Patience and pedagogical skills facilitate working with individuals with varying communication abilities, and careful documentation and follow-up are essential. It is also important to collaborate with speech therapists and other healthcare professionals, while initiative and responsibility make it easier to make independent decisions. Developing good communication skills and showing empathy toward patients and relatives contribute to a safe and supportive work environment. Finally, curiosity and openness to continuously learning new methods and approaches within speech therapy are advantageous.
Key facts about speech therapist assistants
- Education level: High school diploma (healthcare and social care recommended)
- Work environment: Health center, habilitation, school, or other healthcare facility
- Work form: Close collaboration with speech therapists and multidisciplinary teams
- Demand: 375 job openings within the profession
- Gender distribution: Women earn on average 102% of men's salaries
Career paths and future prospects
After three to five years of experience, there are opportunities to take on greater responsibility, such as mentoring new colleagues or specializing in areas like pediatric speech therapy or neurological disabilities. Some choose to further qualify as licensed speech therapists or move into related roles within healthcare and social care, such as occupational therapy assistant or pedagogical assistant. According to the Employment Service’s forecast, there is no specific assessment for speech therapist assistants, but demand within the broader occupational group remains stable with 375 registered job openings. The future outlook is therefore considered good, especially for those who are flexible and willing to develop within the profession.
Frequently asked questions about speech therapist assistants
- What does a speech therapist assistant earn?
- The average salary is 30 200 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and sector.
- What education is required to become a speech therapist assistant?
- High school education, preferably in healthcare and social care, along with practical experience or shorter courses in communication are advantageous.
- Are there salary differences between women and men?
- Yes, women earn on average 30 400 SEK while men earn 29 800 SEK, which means women earn 102% of men's salaries.
- What workplaces can a speech therapist assistant work at?
- Common workplaces include health centers, habilitation centers, schools, and other healthcare facilities.
- How competitive is the profession?
- The competition varies regionally, but there are approximately 375 job openings, indicating good demand.
- What are the highest and lowest salaries for a speech therapist assistant?
- The highest salary is 41,700 SEK and the lowest is 26,500 SEK, depending on education, sector, and experience.
- What personal qualities are important for the profession?
- Attentiveness, patience, teamwork skills, and an interest in communication are key qualities.
